3.6 GPA 1570 SAT strong EC USC?

[James_miller]

I attend one of the top private high schools in California, known for its academic intensity and rigor. I’ve taken the most challenging courses offered each year, including a full slate of Honors and AP classes, earning 4s and 5s on all my exams. During freshman year, I was diagnosed with encephalitis and missed nearly half the school year, which understandably affected my early grades. Since then, I’ve shown a sharp upward trend, and my cumulative unweighted GPA now stands at 3.6.

I’ve focused my academic and extracurricular efforts on the intersection of medicine, sustainability, and innovation. I earned a 1570 on the SAT and completed research at both Caltech and USC, exploring topics in biology and sustainable technologies. At USC, I didn’t just assist in research—I also designed and built the official website for the lab I interned with, creating a platform for research publications, lab updates, and communication.

I was also selected for the UCLA Pre-Med Scholars Program, where I engaged with clinical and research aspects of medicine. I shadowed orthopedic surgeons in the operating room, gaining direct experience in patient care and surgical observation. These opportunities have deepened my passion for medical innovation.

At school, I founded the Sustainability Club, where I led the design and testing of a modular, solar-powered aquaponics system aimed at addressing food insecurity in urban communities. Separately, I created a web platform that maps public water sources in Saudi Arabia to reduce plastic waste and improve access to clean drinking water. These projects have earned awards and recognition on and off campus.

In addition to my STEM involvement, I serve as President of the Arab Student Union, volunteer regularly, and hold leadership roles in various parts of campus life. I’ve tried to make every experience count—turning challenges into motivation and opportunities into action.

While my GPA doesn’t tell the whole story, I’ve worked to make sure the rest of my profile shows who I really am: a student committed to academic excellence, hands-on impact, and building a future where science and service go hand in hand. That’s why I’m drawn to places like USC Dornsife and Viterbi, where I can continue merging research, engineering, and real-world solutions.

[tsbna44]

You sound like a great student and human being.

Like all, take your shots (USC) but ensure you have an affordable safety too. Many, many schools would benefit from having someone like you on campus and vice versa. In addition to USC, don’t forget a Case Western or Syracuse. For easier admits, a U of Denver or College of Charleston, where students do research at MUSC down the street, or Pitt. Or you have your Jesuit schools if you want to stay in CA.

Having your counselor note your medical struggle early on can be helpful too.

Good luck at USC and it’s possible I suppose but statistically, the odds are against. Give it your best shot and be proud of who you are either way.

Good luck.

[thumper1]

Two things.

1. You attend a private high school. The college counselors there will have a good handle on how students from that school do in terms of college admissions. They will also be able to explain your extenuating circumstance for your grades.
2. If your screen name is your real name, I would urge you to change it asap. Here is how.

How Do I Change My Username?

When you first create an account on College Confidential, you have to create a username. By default, if you use your Google or Facebook account, your username will include your first and last name. That is not recommended on CC, so here’s how you can change it: 1. Click on your profile circle in the upper right. Click the little person icon. [Screen Shot 2022-02-24 at 3.50.08 PM] 2. Click on Preferences. [Screen Shot 2022-02-24 at 3.50.15 PM] 3. Click the little pencil next to your username. [Screen Shot 2022-02-24 at 3.47.34 PM] If you don’t see a pencil, it means you are out of the initial 60 day window to change your username. Send a private message to an admin (like me), or email admin@collegeconfidential.com to request a username change. Be sure to include what you would like it changed to. 4. Enter your new username and click “Change” [Screen Shot 2022-02-24 at 3.53.09 PM] All done! What if I’m outside of the window to change my username? If you have any…

[AustenNut]

@James_miller, if your username is a reflection of your name in real life, I would urge you to change it:

How Do I Change My Username?

When you first create an account on College Confidential, you have to create a username. By default, if you use your Google or Facebook account, your username will include your first and last name. That is not recommended on CC, so here’s how you can change it: 1. Click on your profile circle in the upper right. Click the little person icon. [Screen Shot 2022-02-24 at 3.50.08 PM] 2. Click on Preferences. [Screen Shot 2022-02-24 at 3.50.15 PM] 3. Click the little pencil next to your username. [Screen Shot 2022-02-24 at 3.47.34 PM] If you don’t see a pencil, it means you are out of the initial 60 day window to change your username. Send a private message to an admin (like me), or email admin@collegeconfidential.com to request a username change. Be sure to include what you would like it changed to. 4. Enter your new username and click “Change” [Screen Shot 2022-02-24 at 3.53.09 PM] All done! What if I’m outside of the window to change my username? If you have any…

What’s your GPA if you’re only looking at grades 10-12? Do you have a well-balanced list of schools to apply to (including at least 1-2 schools that are extremely likely to accept you, be affordable, and that you’d be happy to attend)?

ETA: Posted at the same time as @thumper1